WP Builds

In this WP Builds podcast episode, Nathan Wrigley chats with Amadeu Arderiu about three innovative WordPress AI projects: ploogins.com, an AI-powered search engine for both free and premium plugins. Joinchat, a plugin that adds an AI chatbot to your site, answering queries using your website's content. And Suggerence, an experimental tool that lets users interact with, and build inside, the Gutenberg block editor using AI-driven natural language and even drawings! They discuss technical challenges, future possibilities, monetisation, and the evolving role of AI in WordPress. Go listen...

This episode covers WordPress 6.9’s new features and testing guide, major UK cyber attacks, security insights, and why Malwarebytes chose WordPress. The panel discusses plugin lifetime deals, the rise of newsletters, and the pros and cons of web design trends. AI’s impact on WordPress is explored, including new agentic browser capabilities and WS Form’s integration with Elementor’s AI agent. The episode also highlights collaborative editing in WordPress, a dramatic smart bed malfunction due to AWS outage, and the importance of owning your data, plus fun detours like the year’s best animal photos.

In this WP Builds episode, Nathan Wrigley interviews Matt Cromwell about his recent article on the future of WordPress product businesses. Matt shares his evolving passion for the WordPress plugin ecosystem, discusses anxieties around the future, especially user expectations and the rise of AI, and highlights the importance of better UI/UX and partnering with marketers and designers. The episode talks about how focusing on user experience and collaboration can help WordPress products thrive, even as the landscape shifts. Plenty of humour and mentions of Matt’s podcast WP Product Talk are sprinkled throughout! A LOT! Go listen!

"This Week in WordPress #353" covers the AWS outage and its impact on major online services, WordPress security trends (including Wordfence and Patchstack reports), upcoming features in WordPress 6.9 (like block visibility controls and the accordion block), the Blocktober project by Tammie Lister, and discussions on plugin/UI design trends and product advice. The panel also celebrates WordCamp Canada, accessibility efforts, and highlights AI’s role in WordPress development. There's a lot more than this, so have a listen...

In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Jonathan Bossenger, a developer advocate at Automattic, about his journey into WordPress and developer relations (DevRel). Jonathan shares how his passion for teaching led him from software development to DevRel, explains the varied roles within DevRel, and discusses the importance of both technical skills and the ability to teach and communicate effectively. The conversation covers team collaboration, feedback processes in open source, and advice for those interested in pursuing a similar path. Jonathan emphasises humility, adaptability, and a love for helping others as key traits for success in DevRel.

This episode dives into the debate over the WordPress mascot Wapuu, discussing its value to the community versus criticisms about its professionalism. The panel explores the possibility of Ollie’s Menu Designer joining WordPress core, shares insights on plugin marketing and discoverability, highlights the new blueprint feature in WordPress Studio for easily sharing site setups, and reviews a flurry of upcoming WordPress events. Plus, they touch on the launch of Fluent Cart as a new e-commerce solution and discuss branding, community, and engaging content in the WordPress ecosystem.

Amber Hinds, CEO of Equalize Digital and a leading expert in WordPress accessibility, dives into her extensive 2025 page builder accessibility research. She reveals her motivation to improve web inclusivity and discusses the rigorous methodology that evaluated over 19 page builders. Key findings highlight which builders excelled, like Cadence with a perfect score, and emphasize the importance of knowledgeable implementation for accessibility. Hinds stresses the moral and legal imperatives surrounding accessible web design, making a strong case for ongoing improvements in the WordPress ecosystem.

Tim Nash, a security consultant specializing in WordPress, discusses the concept of randomness in computers and its implications for AI. Courtney Robertson, an open source developer advocate, highlights the new accessibility knowledge base on wpaccessibility.org. They also explore the recent WordPress 6.8.3 security updates and the significance of Tammie Lister’s Blocktober project. Additionally, the panel reflects on improving plugin discoverability and the celebration of the free Ollie Menu Designer plugin, emphasizing community contributions and ethical tech practices.

Pradeep Sonawane, engineer and product lead at RT Camp, shares insights about WebAuditor.io, a SaaS tool that streamlines website audits. He discusses its evolution from a CLI tool to a user-friendly platform with AI-generated reports. Pradeep explains how it assists a broad audience—from developers to marketers—by automating insights and offering role-specific advice. He also touches on plans for a WordPress plugin and the potential for automated fixes, making the website optimization process more accessible and efficient.

Rahul Bansal, Founder and CEO of RT Camp, shares insights into GoDAM, his innovative digital asset management solution for WordPress. He discusses the benefits of its video-first approach and new integrations. The podcast dives into the challenges of WordPress’s marketing and community dynamics, particularly around youth engagement. Additionally, it highlights RT Camp's unique hiring practices in contrast to recent agency layoffs, and the panel reviews new features in WordPress 6.9, alongside notable plugin launches.